Recently we reported the incredible news that Moderna was starting human trials for an HIV/Aids cure and this weekend a new documentary about finding a cure entitled Right To Try premieres at Outfest 2021 on Los Angeles.
Right to Try follows activist Jeffrey Drew as he undergoes a clinical trial in an attempt to find a cure for his HIV diagnosis. The documentary not only follows Drew’s struggle and bravery but also shows how things like the pandemic and the ‘grip Big Pharma’s has on patents in the United States preventing patients from receiving treatment and care’.
Documentaries need funding and backers and they have a very famous producer in the shape of Hollywood star Octavia Spencer. But how did she get involved? Director Zeberiah Newman said this about her involvement: ‘She got word of the film and reached out to us. She took a look at the footage and immediately came on board. She’s been the most amazing, unbelievable partner on this project. Her entire team is outstanding. It’s been a blessing and a treat to get to know them and work with them. I prefer to work with good people, and Octavia and her company are some of the kindest, smartest, savviest people in the business.
Not only was Octavia involved but she arranged for Katy Perry to gift her song Only Love to the production as well. After showing at this year’s Outfest in LA, the film will hit one of the streaming services soon. Watch the panel with filmmaker Zeberiah Newman & subject Jeffrey Drew below.